DJI Flip Newbies Information – Get Prepared For Your First Flight

Good day, people. Shawn right here from Air Images. That is my newbie’s information for the brand new DJI Flip. In the event you’ve simply bought the Flip drone or plan on buying it, this video is a good place to get began. We’ll go over the {hardware}, primary performance, and provide help to put together to your very first flight.

The DJI Flip is a really versatile drone. It may be flown fully autonomously, taking off and touchdown within the palm of your hand with simply the contact of a button. It will probably additionally connect with a smartphone, which unlocks enhanced options like digital joysticks that allow you to fly it extra like a standard drone. On high of that, you’ll be able to join it to a controller—such because the DJI RC-N3 or the DJI RC2—for a extra conventional drone flight expertise with higher precision and longer vary.

Buying Choices and Packages

Whenever you buy the DJI Flip, there are a few alternative ways to purchase it—primarily completely different packages. You should buy a single combo that comes with a controller, the Flip drone, spare propellers, a screwdriver for altering the props, a USB-C to USB-C information cable (additionally used for charging), and a small info bundle.

With the bottom package, you’ll be able to select both the DJI RC2 (the one with the built-in display) or the RC-N3 (the place you should mount your smartphone). Each are equally good, so it is dependent upon private desire.

If you need extra, there’s a Fly Extra Combo, which is similar however features a few additional propellers, two spare batteries, and a charging hub that makes it handy to cost a number of batteries. You additionally get a carrying case. If it matches your funds, the Fly Extra Combo is extremely really helpful as a result of the case is useful and it’s very useful to have additional batteries. These batteries are rated for 31 minutes of flight time (although you gained’t sometimes get the complete 31 minutes).

Drone {Hardware} Overview

Earlier than trying on the controllers, let’s discover the drone itself. On the entrance, you’ll see a gimbal guard. To take away it, press on the perimeters, and it’ll pull proper off. When your drone is model new, there will even be a rubber housing over the digicam—maintain it if you’d like additional safety.

This can be a folding drone. We’ll unfold it shortly. On one facet, there’s a USB-C port that may connect with computer systems for firmware updates and content material transfers, and that is additionally the way you cost the battery whereas it’s put in within the drone. Above that, there’s a reminiscence card slot. Subsequent to it’s a button used when the drone is in autonomous mode (for biking by way of flight modes and launching the drone out of your palm, which we’ll exhibit later).

On the opposite facet, there’s an influence button and LED lights. The Flip will mechanically energy on when unfolded, which makes it fast and straightforward to deploy in autonomous mode. You can too manually energy it off or on utilizing a brief press adopted by an extended press of the facility button.

On the high is the place the battery is put in. To take away the battery, press the facet buttons, and it’ll slide out. The digicam and gimbal are on the entrance, together with a 3D infrared sensor that helps detect obstacles. Whereas it doesn’t have full impediment avoidance like some DJI drones, it does enhance security in sure conditions. There are additionally small front-facing lights that illuminate symbols when flying autonomously with out a controller.

To unfold the drone, pull out every arm, beginning with the entrance. As you fold out the again arms, you’ll discover the drone mechanically powers on. If wanted, you’ll be able to energy it off by doing the quick press and lengthy press on the facet button, and use the identical sequence to energy it on once more.

Controller Choices

DJI RC2 (Constructed-in Display)

Let’s begin with the DJI RC2, the controller with a built-in display. On the high are fold-out antennas. The management sticks are saved within the again, and you may screw them on whenever you’re able to fly. It’s a superb behavior to take away them when touring to keep away from injury.

On the entrance, there’s an influence button. A fast press reveals the present battery stage, and powering it on or off requires a brief press adopted by an extended press—similar to the drone. Within the center is the mode selector: Cine, Regular, and Sport. Regular is for on a regular basis flying; Sport will increase velocity however will be extra abrupt; Cine slows the whole lot down for easy, cinematic pictures.

The pause button subsequent to the mode selector will cease any clever flight mode in progress, and if you happen to press and maintain it, the drone will provoke Return to Residence. On the backside is a USB-C port (for charging or firmware updates), and beside that, a reminiscence card slot. You don’t want to make use of a reminiscence card within the controller, however it’s useful for additional storage for duties like display recording.

On the again are two customizable buttons, C1 and C2. On high, there are two dials. The left dial tilts the digicam gimbal up or down, and the suitable dial controls digital zoom (as much as 3x, which might degrade high quality barely). There’s a report button (for video) on the suitable and a shutter button (for photographs) on the left.

RC-N3 (Use with Smartphone)

Subsequent is the RC-N3. It’s much like the RC2, however you mount your smartphone to make use of it because the display. The detachable management sticks are saved on the backside. On the entrance, there’s an influence button (similar quick press + lengthy press to energy on or off), a mode selector (Cine, Regular, Sport), and the pause/Return to Residence button. There’s additionally a operate button (just like the C1/C2 buttons on the RC2).

A swap on the suitable facet toggles between picture and video mode. On high, there’s just one dial for adjusting the gimbal angle. Digital zoom is finished through the app since there’s no separate zoom dial. There’s additionally a shutter button for beginning/stopping video or taking photographs, relying on the mode.

On the backside is a USB-C port for charging or updates. This controller has no reminiscence card slot. The antenna flips up from the highest, and that is additionally the place you mount your cellphone. A built-in cable (USB-C or Lightning, relying in your machine) plugs into your cellphone. In case your cellphone makes use of a unique connector, DJI features a appropriate cable.

With the RC2, the whole lot you want (together with the DJI Fly App) is constructed into the controller, which will be extra handy. In the event you use the RC-N3, you’ll have to obtain the DJI Fly app from the Apple App Retailer or, for Android, straight from DJI’s web site (it’s not on Google Play).

For this information, we’ll proceed utilizing the DJI RC2, however if in case you have the RC-N3, the method is sort of similar.

Charging and Reminiscence

Whenever you purchase the DJI Flip, it gained’t embody a reminiscence card. You’ll have to buy a microSD card individually. DJI recommends UHS-I Velocity Class 3 playing cards. A sensible choice is the SanDisk Excessive or Excessive Professional, typically in sizes like 128 GB, although you’ll be able to go bigger if you want.

Set up the cardboard by inserting it into the slot with the graphic facet dealing with up. The drone does have beneath 2 GB of inside storage, however that gained’t maintain a lot footage. If you need a reminiscence card within the RC2 controller, insert it into the slot on the backside (once more graphic facet up).

The DJI Flip comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging, however no charging brick. Most fashionable USB-C chargers for telephones or tablets will work. DJI additionally sells suitable chargers. You should utilize any respected USB-C energy adapter, like a 65 W Anker brick.

There are two methods to cost the batteries:

1. Contained in the Drone
   Insert the battery into the drone and plug the cable into the USB-C port on the facet. LED lights close to the facility button will present the charging standing.
2. With the Charging Hub (if you happen to purchased the Fly Extra Combo)
   The hub can maintain as much as 4 batteries (two on either side) and cost two at a time. Plug the USB-C cable into the hub’s facet port, and LED indicators will present every battery’s standing. The hub may act as an influence financial institution if you’ll want to cost different units.

To cost the controller, merely plug the USB-C cable into the port on the backside. The LEDs on the entrance will point out the cost standing.

Activating and Updating Firmware

Earlier than your first flight, you’ll want to activate your new drone and replace the firmware. DJI frequently releases updates that repair points and add new options.

1. Energy on the drone by unfolding it (or utilizing the facility button).
2. Energy on the controller utilizing the quick press + lengthy press methodology.
3. As a result of the tools is new, comply with the on-screen prompts on the controller to decide on your language, area, connect with Wi-Fi, and log in together with your DJI account (or create one).
4. After logging in, you’ll be prompted to activate the drone. The method is easy.
5. As soon as activated, you’ll be prompted to replace the firmware if any updates can be found. It’s really helpful to at all times set up the most recent firmware.

DJI Fly App Overview

The DJI Flip will be flown in 3 ways:

1. Utterly autonomously with out a controller.
2. Utilizing your smartphone (digital joysticks through the DJI Fly app).
3. Utilizing a standard controller (RC-N3 or RC2).

Even if in case you have the DJI RC2 with its built-in Fly app, you should still need the DJI Fly app in your cellphone to handle settings and switch content material whenever you’re not carrying the controller.

Utilizing the App with Only a Smartphone

1. Energy on the Flip by unfolding it.
2. Launch the DJI Fly app in your cellphone.
3. Faucet “Join” when it detects the Flip and be a part of the drone’s Wi-Fi if prompted.

You’ll see a primary display with three tabs on the backside: Management, Settings, and Album.

• Album: Previews the content material on the Flip’s reminiscence card. You possibly can obtain photographs or movies to your cellphone.
• Management: Permits you to swap between autonomous modes (Comply with, Circle, and so on.) or choose handbook management for flying with on-screen joysticks. You can too toggle between picture/video modes, report, and allow/disable the microphone.
• Settings: Modify parameters for every clever flight mode (distance, top, and so on.) and digicam settings (decision, body price, regular mode or D-Log M, and codec). You can too format your reminiscence card right here.

That is additionally the place you’ll be able to allow voice instructions. The Flip can reply to voice for duties like recording, following, and a few security instructions.

Utilizing the App with a Controller

When flying the Flip with the DJI RC2 or the RC-N3, the Fly app seems to be barely completely different however has the identical core features. You’ll see info similar to satellite tv for pc rely, impediment sensing standing, RC sign energy, and battery stage.

• The left facet of the display typically reveals the takeoff/touchdown button and a map.
• The best facet reveals digicam settings like decision, body price, and whether or not it’s in Auto or handbook mode (the place you’ll be able to regulate ISO, shutter velocity, and so on.).
• Tapping the three dots on the high proper provides you deeper settings, together with Security (Return to Residence altitude, max altitude, and so on.).
• Regulate any error messages on the high middle. If the whole lot is sweet, it can say “Regular” or “Able to Fly.”

Take a look at Flight Demonstration

Now let’s head out and do a fast take a look at flight. If it’s your first time, decide a wide-open space freed from obstacles and other people. Ensure you perceive the drone rules in your nation.

Flying Autonomously (No Controller or Telephone)

1. Unfold the Flip to energy it on.
2. The digicam should detect you for autonomous modes to work.
3. Press the button on the facet as soon as to cycle by way of modes (Comply with, Circle, Rocket, and so on.).
4. Maintain the drone firmly from beneath, guaranteeing your fingers are away from the propellers.
5. Press and maintain the identical facet button to launch.

The drone will acknowledge you and carry out the chosen flight mode (e.g., Highlight, Circle). Whenever you’re able to land, transfer your hand beneath the drone and it’ll mechanically land in your palm.

Flying with a Smartphone (Digital Joysticks)

Whenever you join the Flip to your smartphone, you’ll be able to regulate all settings and in addition fly manually:

1. Energy on the Flip.
2. Open the DJI Fly app and connect with the drone.
3. Within the Management menu, choose an autonomous mode or faucet Handbook Management for digital sticks.
4. For autonomous flight (e.g., Highlight), faucet Begin within the app, and the drone will take off.
5. For handbook flight, press and maintain the Take Off button on the display. Digital joysticks will seem, permitting you to fly similar to an everyday drone.
6. To land, put your hand beneath it, and it’ll mechanically descend.

Flying with a Conventional Controller

Utilizing a controller presents better precision and a greater sign vary as a consequence of DJI’s O4 transmission system:

1. Place the drone on a flat floor or maintain it in your palm.
2. Energy on the drone and the controller.
3. On the display, faucet the Takeoff button. Press and maintain the pop-up to provoke takeoff.
4. Wait till you could have a superb GPS connection (often no less than 14 satellites) so the drone can set a house level.
5. Follow shifting the sticks to get comfy. The best stick strikes the drone ahead/backward and left/proper; the left stick controls altitude and rotation.
6. When able to return, you’ll be able to manually fly again or use Return to Residence by urgent and holding the pause button on the controller or tapping the on-screen RTH button. The drone will ascend to the preset RTH altitude and fly again to the house level. You possibly can cancel at any time and resume handbook management.
7. To land, both use the automated touchdown on-screen or place your hand beneath the drone so it lands in your palm.

Conclusion

That’s my newbie’s information for the DJI Flip. In the event you’re on this drone, be sure you’re subscribed to the channel as a result of I’ll be masking it in-depth over the approaching weeks and months with many tutorials. This was a basic information, however keep tuned for extra detailed movies on particular options.

Thanks quite a bit for watching my DJI Flip Newbies Information, and we’ll see you within the subsequent one!